The President of the Republic of Macedonia d-r Gjorge Ivanov today met with representatives of Derja - Organization of Turkish women in Macedonia. The meetings was organized on the occasion of April 23rd, a day celebrated in Turkey as the day of the founding of the Great National Assembly, but also the Day of the child.

At the meeting, Derjas President Suzana Musli informed President Ivanov about the activities of this organization. Ivanov and the Derja representatives discussed the status of the women in the Turkish community and the possibilites to improve the rights and the perspectives of women in Macedonian society in general. President Ivanov said that women, as the founding stone of families and the bedrock of traditional moral values are therefore an important pillar of society. President Ivanov highly appraised the activities of Derja in the promotion of womens rights, especially in the rural areas and in the families that face economic hardships. The meeting was also focused on the improvements in education in Macedonia, the possibilities for economic development and othe rmeasures that help improve the lot of women and families.

President Ivanov also pointed out the major contribution the Turkish community makes in the development and progress of Macedonia in the political, economic and cultural field, and also as a bridge toward Macedonias strategic ally and partner, the Republic of Turkey.

The President of the Republic of Macedonia Dr. Gjorge Ivanov today received members of the Macedonian Institute for Integration.

At the meeting, Zoran Janakiev, President of the Macedonian Institute for Integration, briefed President Ivanov on the activities undertaken so far by the Institute, and on the opportunities for representation in the European Parliament and in other institutions in Brussels, which the Macedonian Institute for Integration offers. Janakiev presented the activities in the field of economic development and promotion of products and services from Macedonia as well as the projects for support to the local government units in Macedonia.

President Ivanov assessed that the regular representation of the Republic of Macedonia and the possibilities for cooperation offered in Brussels are of paramount importance for the country, particularly in the period that comes after the Belgian presidency with the EU. In compliance with his competences, President Ivanov extended his support for the activities of the Macedonian Institute for Integration.

The President of the Republic of Macedonia Dr. Gjorge Ivanov received today the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of the Kingdom of Spain, Mr. Miguel Angel Moratinos.

President Ivanov congratulated on the efforts and the commitment of the Spanish presidency with the European Union concerning the Euro-integration processes of the countries from this region.

President Ivanov, at the meeting, clearly announced the positions of the Republic of Macedonia regarding the problem imposed by Greece on the name issue which is blocking the strategic objectives of the Republic of Macedonia, its integration into the EU and NATO. In this occasion, President Ivanov stressed that despite the impression that is created in the international community, the Republic of Macedonia is a party that seeks for and is prepared for a mutually acceptable solution, because Macedonia is the one that bears the consequences of remaining outside the Euro-Atlantic structures. President Ivanov stressed that if there is a serious and real readiness and political will of our southern neighbor, and if the solution is within the frameworks of the UN resolutions and the international law, a compromise can be reached.

Minister Moratinos said that he was encouraged by what the Republic of Macedonia and the entire society have made in view of meeting the criteria and standards necessary for integration of the country into the EU. Minister Moratinos added that he was encouraged by the commitment of the Republic of Macedonia in finding a mutually acceptable solution to the name issue and expressed hope that during the Spanish term a date for starting of the negotiations with the EU could be given.

Following the catastrophic earthquake which took the lives of more than 700 people in China, the President of the Republic of Macedonia Dr. Gjorge Ivanov sent letter of condolences to the President of the People’s Republic of China, Mr. Hu Jintao. Enclosed you will find the text of the letter in full.

Respected Mr. President,

With profound sorrow I received the news on the huge tragedy that struck your country. I am deeply saddened for the lost lives, for the enormous and irremediable damages caused by this natural disaster.

In these moments of deep sorrow for you, your country and the friendly Chinese people, on my personal behalf and on behalf of the citizens of the Republic of Macedonia, I convey heartfelt condolences.

Respected Mr. President, I am convinced that solidarity and humanity will alleviate the consequences of this huge tragedy.

Please, convey the expressions of profound condolences to the families of those who tragically died in this catastrophe. I assure you that the citizens of the Republic of Macedonia share the feeling of compassion with you.

Dr. Gjorge Ivanov 

The President of the Republic of Macedonia Dr. George Ivanov today hosted a working lunch for the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Mr. Thorbjorn Jagland.

Central discussion topic was the upcoming Chairmanship with the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, whereby, President Ivanov expressed his assurance that Macedonia will invest all its efforts to successfully and productively preside with the Council. Ivanov and Jagland discussed the main priorities of Macedonia in the course of the six-month presidency.

President Ivanov stressed that the Republic of Macedonia since the day of its membership in the oldest pan-European organization has been paying highest importance to the cooperation with the Council of Europe, and in that direction, the contribution to the projected reforms and the increase of the efficiency of the Council will be priorities of the Macedonian Chairmanship.

President Ivanov at the same time stressed that despite the blockades it is being faced with in the Euro-Atlantic integration processes, the Republic of Macedonia remains strongly committed to the reform agenda. Macedonian President clearly emphasized that the Republic of Macedonia in no way wants to abuse its Chairmanship with the Council of Europe in terms of the bilateral issue on the name dispute, for which talks are led under UN auspices.

Secretary-General Jagland expressed his confidence that the Republic of Macedonia will successfully fulfill the responsible duty during its presidency and that in terms of the priorities of Macedonia, as well as in term of the reform processes in the Council of Europe there will be a successful cooperation.

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov today received the President of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Trendafil Ivanovski.

At the meeting, which was scheduled at a request of the President of the Constitutional Court, Dr. Ivanovski informed President Ivanov on the programs for regional and international cooperation of the Constitutional Court with the relevant institutions. President Ivanov extended his support for the activities aimed at promoting the work of the Constitutional Court in the region and in the world. President Ivanov assessed that the work of the Constitutional Court is extremely important for the rule of law, and thus for the development and advancement of the democratic processes, and thereby expressed his confidence that the Court will fully meet its responsibilities.

Both interlocutors agreed that the Macedonian political model includes the possibility for free expression of opinion relating to the decisions brought by the Court, and that the execution of those decisions is necessary. Dr. Ivanovski also informed President Ivanov on the opinion of the Constitutional Court concerning the Law on Determining an Additional Condition for Performing a Public Function.